'Play-Along Bandit' sought by the FBI

A man dubbed the the Play-Along Bandit has robbed at least five banks on the South Side, and the FBI is asking for help in finding him.

The robber tries to “blend in” and portray himself as a “legitimate bank customer’’ and even has been known to greet security personnel during the heists, according to a statement from the FBI.

Last Saturday he approached a bank teller at the Harris Bank branch at 1620 W. 95th St., made a threatening demand for money and implied he was armed, the FBI said.

He is thought to be responsible for four others:

Nov. 25 at the First Merit Bank branch, 1715 W. 47 St.

Nov. 14 at the Citi Bank branch, 2000 W. 79th St.

Oct. 28 at the Fifth Third Bank branch, 8140 S. Ashland Ave.

Oct. 18 at the ABC Bank branch, 9443 S. Ashland Ave.

The robber is described as a black man age 25 to 30 who is about 5 feet 8 inches tall. He wears a “variety’’ of jackets, one with a distinct pattern across the chest, and he once wore an orange safety vest, according to the FBI.

He consistently wears what appears to be the same black knit skullcap, which has a small brim in the front. He is considered armed and dangerous.

The FBI on Friday announced a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the robber.

Anyone recognizing him or having any information about the robberies should call the FBI at 312-421-6700 or local law enforcement.